Success!

Ben Affleck Discusses Future As Batman At SDCC

Late last week, The Hollywood Reporterpublished a story questioning Ben Affleck's future as Batman with the DCEU. Their source told them that Warner Bros. is developing a plan to "usher out Affleck's Batman - gracefully." An upcoming DC movie would address the change, but exactly how it would occur is unclear. The article speculates that the studio could borrow from the comics, and have an elderly Bruce Wayne mentor a younger protege. Or they could opt to have two Batmen, with the role shared by Bruce Wayne and former Robin Dick Grayson.

Ben Affleck Addresses Departure Rumors

It seems that the studio has a bit more time than THR reported, however. Chris Hardwick, moderator of the Justice League panel at this year's San Diego Comic Con, asked Ben Affleck about his future in the role. Before he could even finish his question, Affleck began his enthusiastic response.

Let me be very clear: I am the luckiest guy in the world. Batman is the coolest part in any universe - DC, Marvel. It's incredible. I'm so thrilled to do it. I know there was a misconception because I didn't direct it that I wasn't enthusiastic about it: It's fucking amazing. And I still can't believe I've done two films and have this great history with this studio.

Affleck was set to direct The Batman, but stepped down in January. He told reporters it was because it had "become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require." War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves was announced as his replacement.

Toby Emmerich, film studio chief at Warner Bros. also tried to quash rumors of Affleck's replacement, saying that "Ben is our Batman. We love him as Batman. We want to keep him in the cowl as long as we can."

The panel also unveiled the latest trailer for Justice League, primarily featuring Wonder Woman (and doing so brilliantly). Affleck told the crowd that he was "really, really proud" of Justice League. "I think you'll see why I'm so excited for Batman."